France Yacht Charters

A private crewed yacht charter is the ideal way to explore South of France. Whether in St Tropez, Nice or Cannes, the South of France yacht charters will introduce you to that special “je ne sais quoi.” You can’t help but notice the magic everywhere: From the narrow, cobble-stoned streets humming with activity, to the charming seaside cafes and sun-soaked beaches, the French Riviera is simply paradise for luxury yacht charters.

The South of France beckons charterers who come to bask in the region’s cultural and scenic delights: A smattering of chic resorts, to-die-for French Mediterranean cuisine, A-list music and film festivals, quiet villages steeped in history, and of course, those heavenly French Riviera views.

There’s plenty to explore on luxury crewed France yacht charters. Head south along the French Riviera and discover the haunts of artists and painters like Picasso, Monet, and Renoir. Every port-of-call offers a chance to be charmed by manicured tree-lined promenades, winding shop-lined streets, and old-world palaces. Bottom line: The French Riviera is one of the world’s best yacht charter destinations.

France Yacht Charter Highlights

• The most extravagant coastline in the world
• Mix with the rich and famous
• Hot nightspots & Michelin-starred restaurants
• Countless Medieval towns and castles
• Miles-long, sun-soaked beaches

South of France Yachting: When to Go

The French Riviera is one of the world’s best summer yachting grounds. Like most of the Mediterranean, the season peaks in July and August, when visitors are welcomed by sunny days and mild temperatures in the low-80s. The shoulder season months of June and September also offer prime yachting conditions. Temperatures hover in the high-70s, the sun is almost always out, and the beaches are always less crowded.

Ultimately, the yachting season in South of France is blessed with ideal cruising conditions, including steady 8- to 15-knot northeasterly breezes, which picks up to about 20 knots in peak season. Water temperatures are also inviting, hovering in the mid-70s in July and August.

South of France Yacht Charter Hot Spots

No matter where you choose to spend your days in the South of France, the region’s Medieval towns, good-life culture, and charming, though sometimes understated, luxury makes this the ideal destination for yacht charter guests of all ages and interests. Where will your France yacht charter take you?

• Cannes
  With its couture shops and Gatsby-Esque glamor, Cannes owns a reputation as being a top yacht charter destination for the rich and famous. From the narrow, cobble-stoned streets, to the stunning panoramic views, and upscale restaurants and resorts, Cannes is a luxury traveler’s playground. Of course, the annual Cannes Film Festival – an affluent, A-list affair – has cemented the city’s reputation.
• Monaco
  Not officially a part of France, Monaco is regarded as Europe’s most extravagant city-state. As small as it is renowned, Monaco spans just 200 hectares in size, making it the second smallest country, behind only the Vatican. But don’t let its small size fool you; Monaco is one of the world’s most glamorous locales. Home to the annual Grand Prix de Monaco – an annual Formula One race that runs through the city’s streets – as well as many upscale casinos and Michelin-starred restaurants, Monaco is an ideal port of call on your French Riviera yacht charter.
• Corsica
  Corsica boasts a stunning array of biodiversity and offers an ideal outdoor escape from Riviera’s mainland. The island – which lies near Sardinia, is home to countless glittering bays, idyllic coastal cities, near-perfect beaches, and vibrant hilltop villages.

Why Charter a Private Yacht in South of France

Anchor in the South of France and experience all the excitement and glamour the region has to offer. What can you expect? From the rich culture and action-packed festivals to world-class cuisine and recreation, the French Riviera is one of Europe’s most revered destinations. Here’s what you can expect on a private yacht charter in the South of France:

History & Culture
Known for its countless Medieval towns, castles, and palaces elements, the South of France is a snapshot of its long history. Around every corner, a historical landmark awaits to transport you to the Old World: Bustling flower markets, trendy craft cocktail bars, countrywide festivals, and world-renowned events like the Cannes International Film Festival.

Cuisine
Life revolves around food in the South of France. The cuisine – a distinctive blend of Mediterranean and French flavors – features dishes shaped by sun and sea. Visit Provenance’s Cours Saleya, a bustling produce market offering tastes of France’s best wines, cheeses, and pastries. Or stop in Marseille, the region’s seafood capital, for a cup of bouillabaisse. Whatever your palate desires, you’ll find it: from vegetarian favorites like “Ratatouille” and “tarte au citron,” to amazing wine and, of course, cheese.

Landscape
Charterers flock to the French Riviera for the glamour, but it’s just as revered by lovers of the outdoors. Take a hike and escape the bustle of the city in the Maritime Alps, where you’ll find deep gorges, stunning vistas, and pristine forests. Corsica, too, is a nature lovers’ dream. With its protected landscapes, including many pristine ports, hiking trails, and geological features, the island offers plenty of tranquil landscapes to explore.

Nightlife
If you’re in the South of France, namely Cannes, get ready to experience a nightlife unlike any other place on earth. With the city’s mix of trendy bars, neighborhood pubs, and fashionable clubs (where a celebrity sighting isn’t out of the question), a night out in Cannes has the potential to continue even after the sun has already risen.

Festivals & Events
The South of France puts on some of the best festivals in the world, and no matter the month, you’re bound to stumble upon an arts festival, regatta, or sporting event. Come in May for Monaco’s Grand Prix, a Formula One race that flies with numerous hairpin turns. Or charter a yacht for the Nice Jazz Festival – a world-class affair that’s been running since 1948.

VAT (Value Added Tax) on Yacht Charters in France

As any yachter knows, all private yacht charters are subject to certain Value Added Tax (VAT) laws. When embarking from the South of France, the applicable VAT rate is 20% – due in full if the charter includes only French or EU waters, determined by whether or not a voyage stays within 12 nautical miles of the French mainland and its islands.

If the voyage includes high seas and international waters, the charterer can benefit from a 50% reduction on the standard 20% VAT rate.

Things to Do and See in the French Riviera

• Explore the Castle of Nice and relish the amazing views of the harbor, beach, and surrounding scenery.
• Spend a lavish night in Monaco gaming at a lux casino like Casino Monte-Carlo or Casino Café de Paris.
• Hike around Verdon Gorges, the so-called Grand Canyon of France, and swim in the deep blue waters of Lac De Sainte Croix.
• Shop the luxury boutiques and designer outposts along Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes.
• Visit the Picasso Museum in Antibes and explore the works of the famed artist (there more than 200 Picasso works on display).
• Indulge in French wine, cheese, and cuisine in Provence, the region’s foodie capital.
• Spend a day relaxing on one of France’s iconic beaches like the remote Palmbaggia Beach in Corsica or the ultra-exclusive Paloma Beach in Nice.

Last edited by Katja Kukovic